National Youth Jazz Wales is Launched
A New Era of Jazz Takes Off in Wales
45 young jazz musicians from throughout Wales gathered for the first-ever National Youth Jazz Wales residency this Easter. This ambitious three-day course marked the launch of a major new initiative by National Youth Arts Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru—an ambitious partnership designed to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians in Wales.
National Youth Jazz Wales is launched at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. NYAW Chief Executive, Evan Dawson holds a microphone in the centre of the image before the young musicians perform. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.
Three Days of Music, Mentorship & Magic
Young instrumentalists and vocalists aged 14–22 were immersed in workshops, rehearsals, improvisation sessions and masterclasses with some of Wales’s most celebrated jazz professionals, including Andrew Bain, Paula Gardiner, Huw Warren, Joe Northwood and Gethin Liddington. They were also supported by current RWCMD jazz students, who played an active role as mentors.
“Being at this course is really great. I’ve learnt SO much regarding improvising and general playing” – Karishma Sharma-Barrow, NYJW participant
“It’s a great opportunity to meet other musicians, musicians that have come from all across the country - all at different levels but there’s always something to learn from someone else, especially the teachers. They’ve worked with us well.” – Tom Kochalski, NYJW participant
The impact of the residency reached beyond the students themselves, resonating strongly with their families too.
“My son had an amazing time and learnt a lot. Before going, he was a bit anxious about being in such a big group of young people, but he felt so included and comfortable the whole time. He didn’t want it to end.”
“[My son] loves playing jazz and this is the first opportunity he's had to perform with like-minded musicians.” – Parent of Participant
“Thank you so much for organising a fantastic course. My son really enjoyed it and he's sad it's over—and hopes you’ll do it again very soon!” – Parent of Participant
A Connected Jazz Future for Wales
This pilot residency marks just the beginning. National Youth Jazz Wales is set to grow into a year-round programme offering young musicians across Wales unprecedented access to high-quality jazz education and performance opportunities.
“We’re building a national jazz network that connects young talent with mentors, peers, and opportunities that simply haven’t existed at this scale before,” said Andrew Bain, Head of Jazz at RWCMD. “This is a major step for Welsh jazz.”
Backed by Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales, the project is a landmark in inclusive music development—creating space for young people to connect, express themselves, and envision a future in jazz or improvised music.
Stay Tuned!
“During the past year, we’ve been working with the National Music Services throughout Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru to understand what the opportunities are for young aspiring jazz musicians in Wales - and we found there was a massive gap in provision”, said Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales. “This project is a massive opportunity to find those young people and bring them together to collaborate, learn from the fantastic tutors at the College, and progress on their journeys.”
To be the first to hear about future National Youth Jazz Wales courses, subscribe to NYAW’s mailing list or follow @nationalyouthartswales on social media.
